Cabin Pressure: Molokai (Christmas Special 2010)

In this Christmas special 'Molokai' - It's Christmas morning, but when Carolyn schedules an extra stop-off to the Hawaiian island of Molokai, Arthur has just seven minutes to celebrate Christmas. Stephanie Cole, Benedict Cumberbatch & Roger Allam star in the second series of the hit sitcom about the tiny charter airline for whom no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult.

John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme: The Complete Series 1

John Finnemore, writer and star of Cabin Pressure, returns in four episodes of his own sketches, as heard on BBC Radio. These episodes feature a tiger with a gun, reveal the truth behind the war effort, visit some documentary-makers, has a big debate and then treats itself to a little trophy. Plus, there are also some musical interludes from the zoo. John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme is written by and stars John Finnemore (The Now Show, Miranda, That Mitchell and Webb Look).

John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme: The Complete Series 2

The complete second series of BBC Radio 4's award-winning sketch show - winner of the Chortle Radio Award of the Year. In these six episodes, which make up the complete second series, you'll hear some moth-based lunacy, an awkward celestial relationship, a heart-warming tale of the days before health and safety, and how The Archers sounds to people who don't listen to The Archers - plus many other sketches featuring acute observations and wonderful wordplay.

John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme: The Complete Series 3 & 4

The complete third and fourth series of BBC Radio 4’s award-winning sketch show, written by and starring the writer of Cabin Pressure. In the third and fourth series of his hit sketch show, John Finnemore examines a typically eclectic range of issues including making friends, the problem with polymath bestselling authors, the colour of posh men’s trousers, and a history of choice.

John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme, Series 5: The BBC Radio 4 Comedy Sketch Show

The complete fifth series of BBC Radio 4's award-winning sketch show, written by and starring the writer of Cabin Pressure. John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme has won a host of awards, including the 2015 BBC Audio Drama Award for Best Scripted Comedy with Live Audience. Written by and starring John Finnemore, this fifth series of the hit show returns with more witty wordplay and laugh-out-loud sketches.

John Finnemore's Double Acts: Six BBC Radio 4 Comedy Dramas

Celia Imrie, Alison Steadman, John Bird and Rebecca Front are among the cast of these six comedy two-handers written by Cabin Pressure's John Finnemore. The stories are: 'A Flock of Tigers'; 'Wysinnwig'; 'Red-Handed'; 'The Goliath Window'; 'English for Pony-Lovers'; and 'Hot Desk'. Also among the cast are Charles Edwards, Isy Sutie, Lawrie Lewin, John Finnemore, Simon Kane, Beth Mullen, Matthew Baynton and Jenny Bede.

Welcome to our Village Please Invade Carefully: Series 2

The complete second series of the BBC Radio 4 sitcom about an alien invasion of a small village, starring Hattie Morahan and Charles Edwards with Peter Davison and Jan Francis. When the small Buckinghamshire village of Cresdon Green is invaded by an alien race called the Geonin, the local residents come up against Uljabaan, the smooth-talking leader of the aliens.

The Castle

Estate Agents, mail-order lingerie, and the invention of central heating: this is medieval England seen from a 21st-century comedy perspective. With an all-star cast, Pozzitive bring you a roisteringly funny new sitcom from the pen of Kim Fuller, who's CV is as long as a really long arm, and includes Spitting Image, Red Dwarf, Badly Dubbed Porn, Rory Bremner, Lenny Henry, and Spiceworld: The Movie.

Bleak Expectations: The Complete First Series

A Victorian epic of awful schools inc the aptly named St Bastards, worse prisons, nuns at St Bitches, giant rabbits, and long lost super-hero aunts, in the style of Charles Dickens after far too much gin.

Elvenquest: The Journey So Far: Series 1,2,3 and 4

Stephen Mangan and Alistair McGowan star in the fantastical BBC Radio 4 comedy by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto. When fantasy novelist Sam is whisked off to Lower Earth by a band of noble warriors, his dog Amis goes with them. Transformed into human form, Amis turns out to be The Chosen One, whom the warriors need to help find the Sword of Asnagar. Only with the sword can they save Lower Earth from the evil rule of Lord Darkness.

Benedict Cumberbatch reads these four new Sherlock Holmes stories by John Taylor: "An Inscrutable Masquerade", "The Conundrum of Coach 13", "The Trinity Vicarage Larceny" and "The 10.59 Assassin". Inspired by Arthur Conan Doyle’s original Sherlock Holmes stories, John Taylor has written four more mysteries featuring the world’s greatest detective. Read by acclaimed actor Benedict Cumberbatch, these new adventures share all the suspense of the original tales.

Yes Minister & Yes Prime Minister - The Complete Audio Collection

Between 1980 and 1988 on BBC television and radio, the exploits of the Rt Hon Jim Hacker MP (Paul Eddington) - later Prime Minister - kept the British nation enthralled. Helped - and hampered - by his diligent Permanent Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby (Nigel Hawthorne) and his Principle Private Secretary Bernard Woolley (Derek Fowlds), Hacker and his department became synonymous with government bureaucracy and administrative double dealing.

Old Harry's Game: The Complete Series 1 & 2

It's not easy being Satan - thrown out of heaven by a vengeful, white-haired God merely for daring to voice the concerns of middle management and condemned for all eternity to listen to Edith Piaf and Elvis Presley. Still, there are new arrivals to welcome - the Professor, an atheist whose unerring optimism is a nasty blow, and Thomas, chairman of a privatised water company (so vile that Judas Iscariot starts calling him the Guv'nor).

The Jane Austen BBC Radio Drama Collection: Six BBC Radio Full-Cast Dramatisations

A collection of BBC radio full-cast dramatisations of Jane Austen's six major novels. Jane Austen is one of the finest writers in the English language, and this volume includes all six of her classic novels. Mansfield Park: on a quest to find a position in society, Fanny Price goes to live with her rich aunt and uncle. Northanger Abbey: young, naïve Catherine Morland receives an invitation to stay at the isolated Gothic mansion Northanger Abbey.

Mansfield Park (Dramatized)

Felicity Jones, David Tennant and Benedict Cumberbatch star in BBC Radio 4's full-cast dramatisation of the novel by Jane Austen, one of the great English classics. Seeking a position in society, young Fanny Price goes to live with her rich aunt and uncle. But her life there is not as she might wish. Felicity Jones plays Fanny, whilst David Tennant is her cousin Tom and Benedict Cumberbatch his brother Edmund.

Absolute Power: The Complete BBC Radio 4 Radio Comedy Series

Stephen Fry and John Bird star as masters of spin Charles Prentiss and Martin McCabe in all 22 episodes of the BBC Radio 4 series. Prentiss McCabe is a London-based 'government-media relations consultancy', and in each episode Charles and Martin are embroiled in the machinations of the British political system. This complete collection includes all 21 episodes of the four series broadcast between 2000 and 2004, plus the special 2006 episode. Duration: 11 hours approx.

My First Planet: The Complete Series 1

The complete first series of My First Planet - a sitcom set on a shiny new planet, starring Nicholas Lyndhurst, Vicki Pepperdine (Jo Brand's Getting On) & Tom Goodman-Hill (Another Case of Milton Jones) The story so far: Unfortunately, Burrows the leader of the colony has died on the voyage, so his Number 2, Brian (Nicholas Lyndhurst), is now in charge. He's a nice enough chap, but no alpha male, and his desire to sort things out with a nice friendly meeting infuriates the colony's Chief Physician, Lillian (Vicki Pepperdine), who'd really rather everyone was walking round in tight colour-coded tunics....

Benedict Cumberbatch Reads Ian Kelly's Casanova

Benedict Cumberbatch reads Ian Kelly’s biography of one of the most beguiling and controversial individuals of any age. In this fascinating biography of the notorious libertine, Ian Kelly draws on documents by Casanova, his friends, and his lovers (male and female) in order to bring fresh insights to the man’s life and world. The sights and smells of 18th-century Europe are brought keenly to life, as are the colourful incidents of Casanova’s life.

Shush!: The BBC Radio 4 sitcom

Morwenna Banks and Rebecca Front star in a brand-new comedy set in a library. Meet Alice, a former child prodigy who's scared of everything - except libraries and her colleague, Snoo, a slightly confused individual with a have-a-go attitude towards life, marriage, haircuts, and reality. Forever popping into the library is Dr. Cadogan, celebrity doctor to the stars and a man with his finger in every pie. Their happy life is interrupted by the arrival of Simon Nielson, a man with a mission to close down inefficient libraries....

The Castle: The Complete Series 2

Series 2 of the rollickingly funny sitcom set whay back when...Thrill! - as brave knight Sir William De Warrenne comes back from the Crusades and tries to buy a castle with a combined dungeon/gym. Swoon! - as young Lady Anne watches handyman Sam Tree grease a rusty hinge. Sympathize! - as Lord of the castle Sir John hires the latest top-of-the-range horse, but can't work out what to do with the built-in ashtrays. And get out your dictionary as the medieval equivalent of Gordon Ramsey tries to prepare a banquet with a mandolin and some very old swear words....

Revolting People: Series 1

Andy Hamilton and Jay Tarses' script for Revolting People, about the American War of Independence, winningly mixes the "boom boom" school of jokes, literary silliness (jeopardy means "like a jeopard"), and anachronisms that make deft political points.

I don't have much experience with radio shows like this recording -- but took a chance because of all the ravingly positive reviews on audible. I love the actors in this program and the reviews were correct--they are all fantastic in their roles. The timing of the dialogue, delivery, and sound effects really paint the picture so you can "see" the action in your mind's eye. Who would have thought? A totally entertaining and successful "try something different" from audible experience. Upbeat and fun.

If you could sum up Cabin Pressure in three words, what would they be?

If I had to sum up Cabin Pressure in three iconic words from the show it would be: Lemon In Play.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Arthur is by far my favorite character- I want to say Martin, but Arthur doesn't let anything keep him down. In a group of four clot poles he's the clot pole that never lets the biting sarcasm and sideways jabs get to him.

A great example of this is in an exchange about a cup of coffee. Arthur: Here you are, Skip. Nice hot cup of coffee.Martin: Augh. It's cold.Arthur: Nice cup of coffee.Martin: It's horrible.Arthur: Cup of coffee.Martin: Not even sure it is coffee...Arthur: Cup.

I dare you to hate Arthur's enthusiasm after Season 2. It's near impossible.

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

What don't I like about this performance? It's a radio play in all the beautiful and gleefully imaginative ways that made sitting and listening to the radio as a kid just as entertaining as watching the telly.

The characters are often cheerfully perverse, boldly bad and hilariously hypocritical. John Finnemore does a beautiful job of weaving fantastical cock-ups into the every day lives of these four misfits. From the dry and sarcastically suave Douglas to the socially awkward and dweebish Martin playing a piloting version of Abbot and Costello, to Arthur playing the plucky young idiot and the counterpoint to his waspish and shrewd mother Carolyn- the owner of MJN and hostess of the tiny charter aircraft.

The best part is that while each character is larger than life, they are all three dimensional characters. Arthur has a few moments where it is obvious that not only does he have a decent mind sometimes, but he has to force himself to choose to be cheerful, and Carolyn has many moments of humanity and heartfelt connections. So many beautiful little moments that really make everything that much better, funnier.

The sound effects and method of recording are also delightful, and I never cease to be swept off into the clouds for a half hour when Cabin Pressure comes on.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

You can not listen to Cabin Pressure without getting at least one good chuckle. I however had never listened to it before Season 3 and was given a copy of Season 1 and 2 for listening to during my Holiday.

Suffice it to say I got many odd looks as I broke into giggles and peals of laughter despite white knuckled grips on my own armrests during the long flight. In fact, by the third episode I was relaxed and fairly good even with the pockets of turbulence we went through at one point.

If you hate flying, or love flying, have never flown or fly every week, the MJN crew will have you in stitches. It's just relatable and human in ways that make it an enjoyable experience no matter when you decide to listen in.

Any additional comments?

If you want a good laugh and a ready giggle, Cabin Pressure is the purchase for you!

I've been on a BBC series kick lately and rank Cabin Pressure first of all I've heard. My favorite character is Arthur, but each has grown on me in their own ways -- even Douglas. My only wish would be that there were more episodes per series. But unless the BBC fairy grants that one, I'll re-listen to the four series available. Highly reccommend.

Where does Cabin Pressure rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Cabin Pressure is the reason I started to listen to radio dramas.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The actors are so distinct and clear with all their own unique quirks and personalities. I never really realized how much could be conveyed through voice alone until I listened to

Any additional comments?

I'm absolutely in love with this radio drama. The characters are fantastic (as Arthur would say). The stories are hilarious and, at times, heart warming and tragic. Any work that can simultaneously make me laugh out loud and then truly make me feel for a character is well worth listening to. Get Cabin Pressure! You won't regret it.

So I downloaded Cabin Pressure from Audible because Benedict Cumberbatch plays the pilot, Martin Crieff, and since Ben's voice is like melted chocolate, I thought it might soothe me to sleep. But YSK: It is REALLY hard to sleep when you're laughing so hard you can't breathe. I listened to all three available seasons last week and then just started right over from the beginning! I've also taken to stalking the BBC Radio 4 website at odd hours of the day/night to catch up with series 4 as it airs.

And as Arthur Shappey would say, "It's brilliant!"

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cabin Pressure?

"Oh, dear. Surely we had two wings when we started?"

Which scene was your favorite?

(bing bong!)

MARTIN: Good afternoon. This is your captain speaking. Just to say there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

(bing bong!)

MARTIN: Hello. Captain Crieff here again. Still no need to panic. I repeat, there is no need to panic. Or to look out of the windows. Everything's fine.

(bing bong!)

MARTIN: Actually, I wasn't being entirely straight with you just now. You see, it's this damnable sleeping sickness of mine. [Yawns.] Normally, I control it with a mysterious stimulant from South America but blast it, my supply's run out. I'm afraid our only hope now is if by some chance someone on board knows how to prepare this stimulant and could—

CAROLYN: Yes, we get the message. Arthur, take Martin his coffee.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed so hard that I forgot how to breathe. Then I died. I am currently listening to CP from the beyond. "What fresh hell is this?"

Any additional comments?

If you don't mind me saying so, that question is entirely against the spirit of surprising rice!

This is the first season of the BBC comedy, Cabin Pressure. I found myself laughing out many times; although I listened to this on audio, I could picture the case in the various scenes. I loved the interaction between the characters, as well as the British humour. Very enjoyable!

Cabin Pressure is a radio play set aboard a chartered plane and it's simply delightful. I admit I did first get this one because of Benedict Cumberbatch, but as I listened I found myself really enjoying what each of the actors brings to this hilarious play.

It was side-splitting funny as you listen and watch while they get themselves into messes and have to figure out how to get themselves out.

I listened to this one at work and I had to pause several times to catch my breathe because I was laughing too hard.

With all the joy of flying and none of the carbon footprint, John Finnemore's perfectly-crafted sitcom will have you disturbing the other passengers with shouts of laughter. The regular cast are so brilliant you forget they are a cast and start (worryingly!) to believe that there really is a tiny airline somewhere, run by the fearsome, headmistressy Carolyn and staffed by her only-marginally-more intelligent-than-a-potplant son, Arthur.
Finnemore delights every time with clever plot twists and the occasional glimpse into the tortured private worlds of his characters, continually hinting at personal tragedies but keeping the balance firmly in the area of comedy.
Buy this CD for every possible reason: the script, the acting quality, and Duggie's irresistible dark brown voice. Buy another copy for a friend. If you can't think of a friend you'd like to buy it for, make some new friends.
P.S. The captain is called Martin. He just wanted me to include that.

16 of 17 people found this review helpful

PP Merge

6/9/11

Overall

"Upgrade to first class!"

I caught the 2010 Christmas special and laughed my flaps off but had missed the original series. I was really pleased to see it on Audible. I listened to all the episodes in one go and and wasn't disappointed.

Perfectly observed characters and some of the sharpest comedy writing since Blackadder I cannot recommend this highly enough. the dry one-liners and put downs from Douglas the First Officer (Roger Allum) are worth the price alone but there's also an superb turn by Benedict Cumberbatch (pre-Sherlock) as the hapless Captain Martin Crieff.

So funny I nearly choked on my complimentary nuts.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Anne

Northampton, Northants, United Kingdom

7/21/10

Overall

"One of the best radio comedies"

This is a great radio comedy. One of the best comedies to have recently come out of Radio 4. I can't recommend it highly enough.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Ben

PRESTON, United Kingdom

9/12/10

Overall

"Original and VERY Funny"

Once in a while you find a hidden gem on the radio - this is one of them.

Originally played on BBC Radio 4 after the 6pm news 'Cabin Pressure' had me hooked from the first time I heard it.

The story is based around MJN Air (My Jet Now), its not really an airline, if they lined up their planes it would be more an airdot (listen to the story to find out why!)

MJN Air is owned by Carolyn Knapp-Shappey as part of her divorce settlement. MJN Air is crewed by an strange mixture of characters who head off to random countries around the world and encounter a some of the oddest situations you could imagine.

This is really good break from the usual full length audio books that I normally listen to but DO NOT listen to this series when driving or operating machinery. You will laugh that much.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Annie

Todmorden, United Kingdom

9/10/11

Overall

"LOL - as they say nowadays."

This is absolutely Laugh Out Loud fare. Benedict Cumberbatch - always excellent at everything he does - is a wonderful foil for Roger Allam's biting wit. The hapless Martin is a gem. Stephanie Cole holds this motley crew together with a vicious tongue. Loved it.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

A

Preston, United Kingdom

8/14/11

Overall

"Highly Recommended"

I had not heard of the show but on browsing Audible, the casting of 'Dr Mason' ( Tenko - Stephanie Cole) added credit to the production and so I downloaded it. FANTASTIC - very funny and all of the cast give an enjoyable performance. Roger Allam's use of his voice alongside the writing is hilarious. Benedict Cumberbatch sounds like a fool - what a performance.... and Stephanie Cole had me in stitches. Great writing - John Finnemore. Highly recommended.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Joan

Wallington, United Kingdom

7/1/11

Overall

"Wonderful!"

This is simply wonderful. Great writing, great cast, great timing. That John Finnemore both writes and plays the hapless Arthur beautifully shows that his is a talent worth watching. Benedict Cumberbatch as the frustrated Senior (as in only) Captain is marvellous. Stephanie Cole's CEO of MJN Air is a delight to the ears. And nobody does laconic sarcasm like Roger Allam. If you haven't already heard this on Radio 4/4 Extra you've missed a real treat. Buy it now and listen to it immediately. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Ed Newsome

1/15/11

Overall

"Utter class"

Many Radio 4 comedies fail to engage. This one is an exception - its utterly perfect. Great script and fantastic, funny performances from the core cast of four. My particular favourite is Roger Allam's smooth Douglas, the first office who delivers his withery put-downs with the precision of a surgeon.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Calum I. MacLeod

Scotland

7/8/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Superb Acting, Sublime Writing"

John Finnemore is a master at creating personalities and the characters of Cabin Pressure are truly three dimensional.

The casting is genius. Benedict Cumberbatch elicits sympathy with his idealistic but slightly pathetic captain, Roger Allam casts a superior tone as the capable first officer and Stephanie Cole's adds a touch of vulnerability to her school-mistress style "CEO" persona. John Finnemore's own portrayal of of the dim-witted Arthur is always brilliant.

The first season gets off to a great start with Abu Dhabi and the revelation in the series finale Fitton adds real depth to one of the characters.

Cabin Pressure is to be savoured, again and again.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

MISS S J BELL

3/4/11

Overall

"Brilliant!"

I ran across this show while browsing Audible and decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did as Cabin Pressure is probably the best comedy show I have ever listened to! The show is both perfectly written and cast and the actors are wonderfully convincing and engaging. The cabin announcements and games played in each episode make me laugh out loud every time - which has earned me some very odd looks at the bus stop!
Series 2 is just as great, if not better, and I can't wait for series 3! For the amount of enjoyment this has brought me it would have been cheap at twice the price.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

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